See Inside Your Pipes Without Digging
CCTV sewer inspection is exactly what it sounds like — a specialized camera on a robotic crawler is sent into your sewer or storm drain pipes, transmitting live video so technicians can see the condition of the pipe interior. It's the most accurate, non-destructive way to diagnose problems underground.
At EnviroFlow USA, our NASSCO-certified operators perform CCTV inspections across Northeast Ohio using the latest camera technology. Here's everything you should know before scheduling one.
How CCTV Sewer Inspection Works
Step 1: Pre-Cleaning
Before the camera goes in, pipes need to be reasonably clean. Our vacuum trucks and hydro jetting equipment remove debris so the camera can capture clear footage. You can't inspect what you can't see.
Step 2: Camera Deployment
A self-propelled camera unit is inserted into the pipe through a manhole or cleanout. The camera rotates 360 degrees and transmits real-time HD video to a surface monitor. The operator controls the camera's movement, speed, and zoom.
Step 3: Defect Documentation
As the camera travels through the pipe, the operator logs every defect, feature, and observation using NASSCO PACP coding standards. Each observation is time-stamped and distance-marked.
Step 4: Reporting
You receive a comprehensive report that includes video footage, still images of key findings, a coded defect log, and severity ratings. This report can be used for repair planning, regulatory compliance, and insurance claims.
What Problems Can CCTV Find?
- Cracks and fractures — Ranging from hairline cracks to full structural breaks
- Root intrusion — Tree roots entering through joints and cracks
- Joint separations — Gaps where pipe sections have pulled apart
- Blockages — Grease deposits, sediment buildup, or debris obstructions
- Corrosion — Deterioration of pipe material, especially in older metal pipes
- Offset joints — Misaligned pipe connections that restrict flow
- Infiltration — Groundwater entering through defects, which increases treatment costs
- Cross-connections — Illicit connections between sanitary and storm sewer systems
- Collapsed sections — Complete pipe failure requiring immediate repair
When Do You Need a CCTV Inspection?
- Before buying commercial property — Know the condition of underground infrastructure before closing
- Recurring backups — Find out what's actually causing repeated drain problems
- Pre-construction — Verify existing utility locations and conditions before breaking ground
- MS4 compliance — Document pipe conditions for your stormwater management program
- After major storms — Assess damage from flooding or extreme weather events
- Capital improvement planning — Prioritize pipe replacements and repairs based on data, not guesswork
- Insurance claims — Provide video documentation of damage for claim submissions
Why NASSCO Certification Matters for Inspections
Not all camera inspections are equal. A NASSCO-certified operator uses standardized PACP coding that engineers, municipalities, and regulatory agencies recognize. Non-certified operators may miss critical defects or provide reports that aren't accepted for compliance purposes.
Every EnviroFlow USA operator holds current PACP, MACP, and LACP certifications.
Schedule Your Inspection
Whether you need a single pipe inspected or an entire municipal system assessed, EnviroFlow USA has the equipment and certified personnel to deliver accurate, comprehensive results.